Vietnam's import-export turnover exceeded US$35 billion in the first half of March - photo: Can Dung

Impressive export growth

According to the latest data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs under the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam’s import-export value reached US$35.66 billion in the first half of March, taking the total to US$162.78 billion in the period from January to March 15, up 12% from the same period last year.

Vietnam exported US$307 million and US$1.81 billion more than it imported in the first half of March and the first quarter of this year.

The export value earned by foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises reached US$12.79 billion and US$58.93 billion in the first half of March and from January to March 15, respectively, with the latter of which up 8.2% or US$4.45 billion from the same period last year. FDI businesses accounted for 71.6% of the country’s total export value from January to March 15.

Key exports growing strongly

Data show that in the first half of March, several key exports experienced significant growth. Notably, exports of computers, electronic products, and components increased by 27.7% or US$878 million. Exports of phones and components rose by 6.3%, while wood and wood exports increased by 12.4%.

From January to March 15, computer, electronics, and components took the lead in term of export growth, raking in US$3.75 billion, up 29.2% from the same time last year. Coffee also stood out with a 42% increase, yielding US$675 million. Meanwhile, textile and garment exports rose by 9.4% to reach US$603 million.

Among the fast-growing export items, coffee is emerging as a strong contender for setting a new export record of US$8 billion in 2025. From January to March 15, Vietnam exported 406,637 tonnes of coffee worth US$2.28 billion. Although the export volume declined by 18%, the sharp increase in export prices helped the total export value grow by 41% compared to the same period in 2024.

Vietnam’s import-export turnover exceeded US$35 billion in the first half of March - photo: Can Dung

According to the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association, coffee prices surged by 73%, from US$3,228 per tonne in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024 to US$5,614 per tonne in Q1/2025. The main export markets for Vietnamese coffee included Germany (US$278 million, up 79%), Italy (US$171 million, up 31%), Japan (US$127 million, up 56%), the US (US$120 million, up 53%), and Spain (US$117 million, up 29%).

Nguyen Nam Hai, Chairman of the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association, noted that the coffee industry nowadays has significant opportunities thanks to improvements in quality, the development of specialty coffee, and the application of advanced technology. These factors will help increase the export value and strengthen Vietnam’s coffee brand in the international market.

Additionally, textile and garment exports continue to contribute significantly to Vietnam’s export value. The sector is among the four largest export industries in the country, accounting for over 10% of the total export turnover. It is estimated that in Q1/2025, textile and garment exports will reach US$12.5-$12.7 billion. In March alone, the industry is expected to reach the export revenue of more than US$4 billion. Vietnam’s textile and garment exports are expected to reach more than US$22 billion in the first half of 2025.

Most enterprises have secured orders for Q2 and have started negotiations for contracts extending until the end of 2025.